1. Pesticide Awareness Presentation to Lawton Chiles Middle Academy
Allen Fugler
Executive Vice President
Florida Pest
Management Association
Mary C. Hartney
President
Florida Fertilizer & Agrichemical Association

2. Who Are We & Why Are We Here?
FPMA and FFAA
Answered an and was invited by Jasmine on behalf of the Pesticide Awareness Team to address two issues:
how pesticides sprayed on lawns are harmful to the environment especially our water.
We are also interested in how pesticides that use organic ingredients are beneficial since they do not contain chemicals

4. What Is a Pesticide & Why Do We Need Them
What is a Pesticide? "Pesticide" can refer to any substance that is made to control or prevent any pest, including:
Insects
Mosquitos, wasps cockroaches, termites, ants
Weeds
Poison ivy, ragweed and dandelions
Rodents
Rats, mice
Fungus
Mold
Pesticides include man-made products as well as products derived from naturally occurring chemicals in plants or other organisms.

5. Need for Critical Thinking in Environmental Issues
Debug the Myths
Why Do we need pesticides?

6. Pesticides and the Environment
Pesticides are rigorously tested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for their potential human health and environmental impact before they can be registered and sold for use.
We have an obligation to use them responsibly and according to the directions.

7. Does Organic Mean Chemical-Free?
We live in a Chemical world
H2O, NaCl
“Organic” pesticides are chemicals too
Natural does not mean benign or harmless
Arsenic, copper, sulfur, snake venom
Whether or not an organic pesticide is safe enough to use in your yard/house and near water is determined exactly the same way as for any other pesticide.  

8. 5 Steps for Safe Pesticide Use
Identify the problem: What is the bug, rodent, or weed infiltrating your surroundings
Select the right product: Choose a product that is designed to control the specific pest you are targeting.
Prepare the area: Keep children and pets at a distance during applications and until the product dries, or as long as the product label suggests. Have absorbent materials nearby in case the product is spilled.

9. 5 Steps for Safe Pesticide Use
Read and follow the label instructions: Be sure to follow directions about proper protective clothing, mixing solution, rinsing containers and appropriate dosage levels. This is important when using natural, organic or synthetic pesticides as the safety and effectiveness of both depend on proper use. Always wash your hands after applying a pesticide.
Do not overuse or underuse: Overuse can be hazardous, and underuse can help pests build up an immunity to the pesticide making treatment ineffective.

10. Critical Thinking is Needed Help Protect Our Environment Against Pests and Pollution